Fiat Cinquecento Griguà
Created by the I.DE.A. Institute, the Fiat Cinquecento Griguà rethinks the humble Cinquecento as a radical urban concept, combining ultra-compact proportions with experimental packaging and forward-looking design.
Rather than simply restyling the city car, the project explores how interior space can be used more intelligently without increasing overall size.
Its most unconventional feature is the cabin layout. Instead of the usual two seats up front, the driver sits in the center, while two passengers are positioned behind in a staggered, asymmetric arrangement.
The idea was simple: city cars rarely carry four or five occupants, so optimizing comfort and space for three makes more sense. This layout improves perceived roominess and gives the tiny footprint a surprisingly airy interior.
Visually, the Griguà embraces smooth, modern forms and expansive glass surfaces, giving it a light, futuristic character that still feels contemporary. The emphasis was on urban mobility, efficiency, and environmental awareness — themes that were already shaping design thinking in the early 1990s.
Dimensionally, the car remains compact: 3285 mm long, 1640 mm wide, and 1475 mm tall, with a 2200 mm wheelbase. Overhangs measure 570 mm at the front and 430 mm at the rear. These tight proportions make it ideal for dense city streets while reinforcing its bold, concept-like stance.
The Griguà debuted at the 1992 Torino Motor Show as part of a special Fiat initiative. The company invited eight leading Italian design houses to reinterpret the Cinquecento, encouraging fresh ideas for affordable, functional, and environmentally responsible urban cars with youthful appeal. Among the proposals, the Griguà emerged as one of the most distinctive, showcasing both imaginative packaging and the creative strength of Italy’s design studios.
1993 Off-road version
The following year, I.D.E.A. unveiled an off-road version of the Griguà concept.
It was most likely based on the 1992 concept and featured increased ground clearance, removable door panels, and various off-road accessories.
Initially painted like the 1992 concept, it was later repainted red and grey.
